In the pages of “Drunk on Love: The Life, Vision, and Songs of Kabir,” a creation by the writer-singer Vipul Rikhi, HarperCollins India embarks on a journey to bring forth the essence of Kabir, the 15th-century poet, exactly as he has been described, revered, and quoted through the annals of popular history. In an eloquent exploration, this book seeks to distill the very spirit of the mystic poet whose words have resonated across time and boundaries.
Mysticism intertwined with practicality, the book harmonizes the tales that have woven Kabir’s life, his lyrical masterpieces, and his paradigm-shattering vision into a seamless tapestry. From his most renowned compositions to the fiercely iconoclastic undercurrents that defined his worldview, the book compiles these elements to introduce Kabir’s quintessence to the modern reader. Through the eyes of writer-singer Vipul Rikhi, Kabir’s centuries-old verses regain their vitality, offering readers a renewed connection to the profound wisdom they hold – wisdom that has the power to illuminate our contemporary lives. Swati Chopra, associate publisher at HarperCollins, aptly captures the sentiment by expressing, “This is Kabir for the modern mind to engage with and learn from.”
“Drunk on Love” posits a compelling notion: Kabir isn’t confined to a singular individual but rather an ethereal idea that has been embraced and nurtured by the people of India over generations. This work contemplates Kabir’s legacy as an evolving tradition, a living embodiment of spiritual insight and philosophical depth.
Presented in a fluid and conversational narrative, the book vividly paints the picture of Kabir’s existence through the prism of popular legends. His verses, echoing through time via extensive translations and citations, find a rightful place within these pages. Moreover, the book embarks on an immersive exploration of Kabir’s vision, peeling back the layers of concepts like ‘Jheeni,’ ‘Raam,’ ‘Guru,’ ‘Sahaj,’ and ‘Shoonya,’ revealing the intricate philosophical underpinnings that have enriched his poetry.
“Drunk on Love” stands as an indispensable introduction to the phenomenon that is Kabir. It portrays the poet exactly as he has been depicted, quoted, and cherished within the tapestry of popular imagination. In this offering, Kabir’s words transcend the constraints of time, inviting contemporary minds to embrace the profundity that he embodied.